Plantation route Wouwse Plantage

Cycle past history, heathland and old estates

This cycling route is based on the junction network. The route is described from junction 84, but you can start at any junction.

From junction 84, follow junctions 01 - 28 - 02 - 29 - 94 - 71 - 95 - 96 - 99 - 05 - 92 - 91 - 90 - 80 - 08 - 07 - 09 - 14 - 75 - 15 - 18 - 31 - 30 - 81 - 01 - 84

Shortened route 29 km

For the shortened route, from junction 84, follow junctions 17 - 16 - 08 - 07 - 09 - 14 - 75 - 15 - 18 - 31 - 30 - 81 - 01 - 84

Along the way you will pass plenty of catering establishments where you can stop for a snack and a drink.

In the area around Roosendaal, you'll discover vast heathlands, forests, and fens. For centuries, these landscapes have been shaped by human intervention: peat extraction, the digging of canals, the felling and replanting of trees, and the grazing of sheep on the heath. A unique example of such a human-shaped nature reserve is the oldest production forest in the Netherlands: the Wouwse Plantage.

The history of this area begins with landowner P.J. Baron de Caters, who commissioned the construction of a church near his estate and brickworks in 1870. This church formed the center of what was then known as "Pindorp," which later evolved into the village of Wouwse Plantage . The layout of the main street mirrored that of the slates in Antwerp, the baron's hometown. In the village stands a statue by Leon Vermunt, depicting a "pinnerooger," or woodcutter. The name "Mastepinne" possibly refers to the stumps of felled pine trees or to pine cones.

At the edge of the village, near the Wouwse Plantage Nature Gate , begins a woodland area of approximately 900 hectares. Various forest types alternate here, making the area a valuable habitat for birds such as the European honey buzzard and the black woodpecker.

The Zoom once played a central role as a peat canal and later formed part of the West Brabant Waterline. This waterline was connected to fens such as Papengat, Herels Ven, and Zeezuiper. Today, the Zoom is primarily visible as a drainage channel; in summer, it is often dry.

Cycling through the Visdonk estate , you'll pass characteristic lanes, hedgerows, fields, and meadows. The diverse landscape fosters a rich biodiversity. A stop at Rozenven offers peace and quiet, and at the Environmental Education Center, you can learn more about the area's natural beauty.

The Watermolenbeek stream flows into Roosendaal at Burgemeester Marijnenpark. A thirteenth-century watermill once operated here. The mill disappeared in 1965, but the street name, Watermolenberg, still commemorates it.

Wouw is a village with a rich history and a charming village center. Be sure to visit Wouw Castle, St. Lambertus Church, and De Arend windmill. These are all iconic landmarks of the village.

On the Brabantse Wal, a natural rise near Bergen op Zoom, lie estates such as Zoomland, Lievensberg, and Mattemburgh. The alternation of dry, elevated forests and wet, marshy land tells the story of past peat extraction. This area also includes the Zeezuiper, a large pond that serves as a retention area for excess water.

The route ends at the Plantage Center , where unique buildings such as the castle, the hunting lodge, and the Prinsenhof forester's house showcase the rich history of the Wouwse Plantage. The Fire Brigade Museum displays historic fire engines and firefighting equipment. Please note: the Plantage Center can only be visited with a guide from the De Vierschaer local history society from Wouw.